The Heart Of Paul’s Theology: Paul And His TheologySample

Paul’s Third and Fourth Journey: Acts 18:23 – 21:17

Paul’s second missionary journey was soon followed by a third expedition on which he traveled far into the west again. Paul’s third missionary journey appears in Acts 18:23–21:17. In these travels Paul went from Syrian Antioch through Galatia and Phrygia, and then established a thriving ministry in Ephesus. After this he spent several months traveling in Greece from north to south and back to the north again. He visited churches he had planted in his previous trip to the region. Then the apostle headed back toward Jerusalem by land and by sea. 

When Paul returned to Jerusalem after his third journey the Jews falsely accused him of sedition, and the Romans arrested him. After spending two years in prison, Paul asserted his rights as a Roman citizen to have his case heard before Caesar. This appeal to Caesar led to a fourth journey, which took him to Rome. 

The record of this trip appears in Acts 27–28. Paul traveled most of this journey by ship. Between Crete and the Isle of Malta, a terrible storm completely destroyed the vessel which held Paul and a number of other prisoners. The crew, the guards, Paul, and his companions were shipwrecked on the isle of Malta for three months before they were able to get passage to Rome. Paul remained under house arrest in Rome from A.D. 60 to 62. He was able to minister freely during this time.

Tradition tells us that Paul was acquitted by Nero and that he then traveled toward Spain preaching the gospel. Some evidence from the epistles to Timothy and Titus also suggests that he traveled eastward establishing and strengthening churches there as well. But probably around A.D. 65 or shortly thereafter, Nero had Paul arrested once again and finally he executed the apostle.

A quick glance at the region between Jerusalem and Rome reveals that Paul visited many different places making contact with thousands of people in more than twenty-five cities. What are we to learn from the fact that he endured such extensive travels? What do they tell us about the heart of Paul’s theology? 

Needless to say, there are many things we can learn about Paul’s theology from his missionary journeys. But one of the most important things we learn is that Paul’s theology did not allow him to be an armchair theologian. To be sure, Paul was well educated and was very intelligent. But his theology led him to a life of sacrifice and service. So, as we look into the heart of Paul’s theology, we must not settle for a set of ideas or beliefs divorced from practical living. We must be looking for something radical and life-transforming. When we properly understand Paul’s theology, it will inspire and guide us, as it guided him, into lives of radical service to Christ, the church, and the world.